The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is prioritising the rapid execution of 98 National Highway projects across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Tripura, with the aim of bolstering connectivity and fostering economic growth.
A senior official from Nagaland confirmed that Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, reviewed the projects in a meeting held in Delhi on Monday.
Several thousand crores have been earmarked for the development of these highways, which are crucial for enhancing infrastructure in the northeastern region.
Among the 98 projects, Arunachal Pradesh will see 15 national highway developments covering 423 km, while Nagaland will benefit from 29 projects spanning 545 km.
Manipur has the most extensive coverage, with 38 projects totalling 808 km, and Tripura will have 16 projects across 324 km.
Highlighting the projects’ significance, the official stated, “Union Minister Gadkari emphasised the importance of expediting development to ensure the timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects. This is a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving mobility and fostering economic development in the northeast.”
The Ministry has already approved 50 National Highway projects in Manipur, covering a total of 1,026 km, with 44 of these projects located in the state’s hilly areas.
Of the hill-based initiatives, 8 projects covering 125 km have been completed, while the remaining 36, costing ₹12,000 crore and spanning 777 km, are underway.
Furthermore, the Ministry’s Annual Plan for 2024-25 includes two additional hill projects valued at ₹1,350 crore, covering 90 km.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gadkari stated, “Our focus is on accelerating development in Manipur and ensuring the timely completion of these vital infrastructure projects. These initiatives will enhance connectivity and stimulate economic growth, reaffirming our dedication to the northeast.”
He further added, “We also emphasised fast-tracking highway infrastructure in Tripura, ensuring sustainability and cost-efficiency. These efforts will significantly improve connectivity and integrate the northeast into the national growth framework.”
The meeting featured prominent figures, including Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju, Ajay Tamta, and Harsh Malhotra, as well as Chief Ministers Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh), N Biren Singh (Manipur), and Manik Saha (Tripura), alongside Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T R Zeliang and senior officials.
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